Did You Know… ? Agromin Organic Materials Recycling

Agromin’s compost and mulch processing site at Limoneira

Did you know… that California’s largest organic materials recycler is in Oxnard?

Yes, that right! Each year, Agromin converts over 380,000 tons of green materials into compost, mulch and other premium soil products for area farmers, landscapers and gardeners. They are a pioneer in the sustainable management of biodegradable resources. The results from this processing contribute to water conservation, prevention of soil depletion, reduction in green house gas (GHG) emissions and a decreased need for oil-based fertilizers and chemicals.

Making our community more sustainable. Almost by default!

Ventura County residents are doing their part to make our community more sustainable and we may not even realize it! Each week, after we put our grass clippings, leaves, brush and tree limbs into those green waste-recycling barrels, a chain of earth-friendly events is started at Agromin:

• The organic waste is cleaned (after plastics, clothing, diapers. etc. are removed) and chopped.
• The material is spread out in long “wind rows,” turned and watered for about 60 days.
• The material is naturally composted by microorganisms.
• The resulting organic compost is mixed with other soil amendments to create natural soil products
• The compost and mulch is distributed onto Ventura County farms and used by professional landscapers and backyard gardeners.

The green waste that began in a residential recycling barrel has now found its way back to the land in the form of natural compost, thereby creating a sustainable process that keeps waste out of landfills. This, in turn, reduces greenhouse gases.

The benefits of using recycled green materials

Other benefits of recycled green materials include:

• High nutrient content, better growing environment
• Retains water, cuts the need for watering
• Prevents soil erosion
• Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers